A letter in the files, dated July 27, 1972, from Ann Carney, addressed to Ginny Van Haaren, was accompanied by her contract. She apologized for the delay, but expressed concern for the salary scale at all levels and asked for an evaluation, since she believed it to be low. With the understanding that the YWCA worked with a small budget, she asked that the committee consider the responsibility the staff encountered with the campers and programs.
“The type of program we are attempting to run, and the caliber of people we are trying to invite” placed great demands on the staff. She felt she had worked closely with the staff and also felt many were taken advantage of, considering many were educators and knowledgeable in the positions for which they were hired. She asked the committee to re-evaluate the pay scale, investigate what other camps paid their staff, and how best to invite qualified, competent and committed people– while still staying within budget and perhaps utilizing students who could gain credit in their fields.
“I have seen great changes, especially in philosophy made in the four summers I’ve spent here,” wrote Ann. “You, the committee, saw and heard at the pre-camp meeting a display of the trend towards a more instructional philosophy now being utilized here. Prior to the summer of 1970, the philosophy that prevailed seemed to be much more of “offer campers an experience and let them learn what they might”. That was the trend of the time and a good philosophy for the time. However, now as time changes trends, the general educational trend of teaching and learning specific skills within different areas of school, a camp or any learning climate, has developed and so we have changed. This change has come because the leaders, activity directors here are, for the most part, knowledgeable educators or students of education. This change is a sign of the times and a compliment to camp. The people here are well-versed in the educational trend of today and tomorrow. They are not caught up in the role of the past.”
Her letter continued with the request that the board move in the direction with those suggestions, bearing in mind that the decision making would have to take into account a tight budget, intelligent decision making and thoughtful long range planning. She felt the camp had come to a turning point and desired the utilization of Maqua and it’s potential and spirit, so that it would not have to be closed as other camps had. Ann ended with these words; “I want to express to you that this letter is written not in bitterness, but in awareness—of the value of camp, of the needs I see here, and out of a very deep and genuine concern for a place that has made me and many people begin to realize their potential as human beings.”
Both letters from these caring women gave credence to their leadership and loyalty to Camp Maqua, with fears that the camp would be in jeopardy if the committee did not make changes. What did you believe needed changing when you were on staff?